“Damages” refers to the money a personal injury victim may recover from a negligent party after reaching a settlement or winning a civil lawsuit at trial. Damage amounts are unique to personal injury cases, as no two accidents or injury claims are alike.
Damages Available in Colorado Injury Cases
Damages available to a personal injury victim depend on a variety of factors including but not limited to:
- The type of accident;
- The location of the injuries;
- The severity of the injuries;
- The total medical bills;
- The victim’s prognosis for recovery;
- Whether the victim is permanently disabled;
- Whether the victim can return to work;
- The age of the victim;
- The insurance policy limits; and
- The total cost of the losses incurred by the victim.
The following is an overview of the damages available in Colorado personal injury cases.
If you suffered a personal injury accident and would like to learn about the types of damages available, contact an experienced Denver personal injury attorney.
Types of Personal Injury Damages
Recovering Compensation for Your Losses in Colorado
ECONOMIC DAMAGES
Definition: Losses with calculable or fixed dollar amounts.
What it Includes:
- Hospital bills & Surgery costs
- Doctor visits & Prescription drugs
- Rehabilitation & Physical therapy
- Lost wages & Earning capacity
- Property damage
- Mental health treatment
Proof Required: Invoices, receipts, pay stubs, and tax records.
NON-ECONOMIC DAMAGES
Definition: Subjective costs personal to the victim; no fixed bills are associated with these losses.
These Losses Include:
- Physical pain & Mental anguish
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium: Support or affection.
Proof Required: Journals, witness statements, and therapy records.
PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENT
Distinct in Colorado: Awarded separately from and in addition to economic and non-economic damages.
Physical Impairment Includes:
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Neurological damage
- Hearing or Vision loss
- Other anatomical loss or pain
Proof Required: Physician evaluations and impairment ratings.
EXEMPLARY (PUNITIVE)
Purpose: A punishment for outrageous or egregious behavior by the defendant.
⚠️ Colorado Damage Caps
Punitive damages generally must not exceed economic damages, with rare exceptions.
To learn your claim value, click below and set up a free consultation with an experienced Denver personal injury attorney.
